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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2010
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Governor Rell Announces Another Expansion
of Shore Line East Commuter Service
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced another expansion of Shore Line East commuter rail service to and from New London beginning May 10 – three additional round-trip trains into and out of New London will be operating on weekdays.
In addition, Governor Rell said plans call for adding two more midday trains once bridge repairs – now under way – are completed over the Miamicock River in East Lyme, and said talks with marine operators continue on expansion of weekend service.
“We have already added one new round trip to New London this year and this additional service will give many commuters the options they are looking for,” Governor Rell said. “Shore Line East is a popular choice for commuters, college students and tourists who use the New London-to-New Haven corridor every day. My Administration remains committed to providing as many ‘mobility options’ as possible.
“This new service brings to four the number of morning, peak-hour trains from New London and to five the number of evening, peak-hour trains from New Haven,” the Governor noted. “All across Connecticut’s commuter rail system we are adding new cars, new trains, new parking and new stations, making upgrades to existing facilities and investing in improved service. I appreciate the efforts of our partners at Amtrak, who have worked closely with us to help Shore Line East grow.”
In February, Shore Line East added a 5:52 a.m. train from New London to New Haven. Starting May 10, three more trains from New London to New Haven will be added, departing at 6:55 a.m., 6 p.m. and 8:35 p.m.
From New Haven to New London, trains will depart at 5:30 a.m., 4:27 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.
Currently, there are morning, peak-hour trains leaving New London at 5:52 a.m., 6:30 a.m. and 7:51 a.m. and evening peak-hour trains leaving New Haven for New London at 5:08 p.m., 5:42 p.m., 6:38 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.
“We have negotiated this new service with our partners at Amtrak and are pleased that we can make these incremental additions to our New London service,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie.
Commissioner Marie said the DOT is working with the Connecticut Marine Trades Association to minimize the number of bridge openings required and any impact on the commercial boating industry.
“We are rolling out this new service on a gradual basis and are hopeful that we will attract more and more riders,” Commissioner Marie said.
“Amtrak shares the goal of our Connecticut state partners to expand Shore Line East service as a means to provide more rail transportation options for area residents,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman.
About Shore Line East
Shore Line East rail service between New Haven and New London is operated on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Transportation by Amtrak. In addition to two stations in New Haven (Union Station and State Street Station) there are stops in Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and New London.
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